William “Harry” Sylvester, 86, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 9:11 p.m. on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at his home. He was born on May 24, 1935 in West Point, IA to Donald & Mamie Austin Sylvester. He married Karen Anderson Smith on October 17, 2002 in Ash Flats, AR. He worked at First Miss and retired from Climax with 20 years of service. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was the past president of the Lee County Conservation Board. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.
Harry is survived by: his wife: Karen Sylvester of Fort Madison, IA; 3-daughters: Stephanie (Abe) Glili of Acworth, GA, Teresa (Bill) Range of Fort Madison, IA & Jeannine (Rodger) Finn of Keokuk, IA; 1-son: Willie Sylvester of Palm Harbor, FL; 1-step son: Mark Smith of Fort Madison, IA; 2-step daughters: Audra (Kelly) Bonar of Fort Madison, IA & Stefani (Eric) Kern of Fort Madison, IA; 7-grandchildren; 3-great grandchildren; 6-step grandchildren; 5-step great grandchildren & 1-brother: Bob (Coni) Sylvester of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1-brother & 1-sister.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A celebration of life will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will immediately follow at Soldiers’ Circle in Oakland Cemetery with Pastor Steven Kohler officiating. Military rites will be performed by the Fort Madison Veterans Honor Guard. A memorial has been established for Lee County Conservation. Online condolences to Harry’s family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
